There is now an exceptional choice of size and style when it comes to cruise ships. Large resort-style ships may carry 3,000-plus passengers and boast numerous restaurants and bars, along with swimming pools, a theatre, spas and innovative activities, from ice-skating to rock climbing.

At the other end of the scale, smaller ships may carry just 100 passengers with life on board emphasising food, service and the destinations rather than glittering entertainment.

River

Combining cultural city visits, picturesque landscapes and a leisurely mood, river cruises offer the chance to explore the world’s rivers on an intimate ship.

River cruising means you are always in touch with the scenery and stops are frequent, enabling you to discover, for example, the medieval villages, castles and vineyards of Europe or the temples and mystical landscapes of exotic countries such as China and Cambodia.

Family

Family-friendly ships have amazing facilities to entertain children of all ages, from water parks to climbing walls, mini-golf, bowling alleys and even ice-skating rinks. There are also the latest games consoles, cinemas and special evening entertainment.

Additionally, children’s clubs offer age-related activities hosted by dedicated hosts who will organise anything from pyjama parties and treasure hunts to talent shows and even show you how to record your own performance.

Small ships

Small-ship cruising isn’t just about luxurious comfort, fine dining and intimate atmosphere on a motor-yacht style vessel, though there are certainly ships that match that description in this category.

Small-ship cruising is often all about the destinations, with the advantage of being able to dock in remote and hidden ports that are off-limits to bigger ships. They also offer a very sociable environment where guests can get to know each other and the crew.

Themed

Many cruise lines offer the opportunity to indulge in a favourite interest or hobby, whether it be ballroom dancing, wildlife-spotting, arts and crafts, music, cookery, gastronomy, golf, photography or the fine arts.

Whatever your special interest, there is probably a cruise tailored just for you, with specialist activities dedicated to the theme including lectures, demonstrations, workshops and even a dedicated shore excursion programme.

Ultra-luxury

Offering the ultimate in opulence, certain cruise lines have the winning combination of copious private space with exceptional service in a relaxed and stylish environment. Ultra-luxury ships range from small yacht-style vessels carrying just 50 guests through to larger ships carrying 1,000 guests.

Most offer accommodation in sumptuous suites with balconies and often even personal butlers. These cruise lines tend to stay longer in ports to make the most of your time ashore. Many of the ultra-luxury lines are all-inclusive with drinks, speciality dining and sometimes shore excursions included in the price.

Solo

Cruising alone can seem like a daunting prospect but it’s the perfect way to find new friends in a relaxed, safe and sociable environment. Some cruise lines offer special events or activities designed to bring together solo cruisers, such as an organised shore excursion or cocktail party, afternoon tea or even dinner with the captain.

Tall ships

Sailing under the power of wind is thrilling and there are beautiful ships that boast a magnificent suit of billowing sails. They usually carry a small number of passengers and offer luxurious amenities and fine cuisine in a relaxed and informal setting.

Operating in several enticing parts of the world including Europe and the Caribbean, they can often dock in smaller ports. Entertainment varies from performances by local folk groups to classical recitals, though much of the fun comes from watching the crew set the sails.

Expedition

An expedition or adventure cruise is quite unlike the experience you would expect from a mainstream cruise line. The destination is the main attraction, with the emphasis on exploring the landscape and wildlife, whether it is in the Arctic, Antarctic, Galapagos Islands, South Pacific or the Amazon.

Excursions may include hikes through the rainforest or snowy valleys, with landings by Zodiacs (small inflatable boats) on to deserted beaches. Specialist tour leaders such as biologists, geologists and anthropologists often accompany the excursions and give on-board talks or seminars.

World voyages

The ultimate holiday, a world cruise has to be the most relaxed and convenient way to explore the treasures of the globe. Ranging from 70 to more than 100 nights, they combine days at sea with trips investigating the most incredible destinations and cultures in faraway places stretching across two, three or four different continents.

From remote fishing villages to grand cities, exotic islands to historic landmarks, this cruise experience is a lifetime dream for many but can be surprisingly affordable.

UK departures

Cruising from the UK has become a popular choice and with cruise lines increasing the number of UK regional ports from which they depart, guests are finding they can almost ‘cruise from their doorstep’. This offers a relaxed start to the holiday, having cut out the airport and any worries about excess baggage.

From the moment you step on board (often a few steps from where you’ve parked your car), the holiday begins. Itineraries from the UK include the British Isles, the Baltic, the Norwegian fjords, Iceland, the Mediterranean, the Canaries, North Africa and the Caribbean. Many world cruises depart from and return to the UK.